If your career advancement plan includes APCO Institute training, attendance at APCO 2018 or participation in another APCO event, you could receive financial assistance by applying for an APCO scholarship. The scholarship application deadline is February 16 for the Certified Public-Safety Executive (CPE) Program and March 31 for all other scholarships. For more information

Gain first-hand knowledge about how to defend against and respond to a cyberattack. Learn what it takes to achieve fully-deployed NG9-1-1 capabilities, and experience simulations, scenarios and exercises designed to translate learning topics into practices that you will take back to your agency. Earn up to 7 CEUs toward your professional development goals.

Dates and Locations
Austin, TX - January 16 (sponsored by Seculore) - Register now
Nashville, TN - February 15 - Register now

APCO invites technology experts, policy leaders, industry partners, wireless service providers and public safety communications professionals to submit presentation proposals for APCO’s 8^th Annual Public Safety Broadband Summit, taking place May 1-2, 2018, at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City Hotel in Arlington, Va.

The Broadband Summit is the premier annual, DC-based opportunity to learn about the latest technology advancements impacting public safety communications networks. Respond to APCO’s Call for Speakers to help further the discussion on a number of timely issues. Deadline for submission is February 9, 2018. For more information.

One-Day Course in Daytona Beach Next Week
Seats are still available for this eight-hour cybersecurity training next week in Daytona Beach. Sponsored and presented by Seculore. Register now.

Cybersecurity Hygiene Training for Everyone
Thursday, January 11, 2018 | 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Topics include:

• Current events and public safety cyberattacks
• PSAP cyber policies and best practices
• Internet security and threats to connected devices
• Targeted attacks and protecting your data on the network
• Anti-virus software and securing your web browser
• Network security and in-depth defense
• Recovering from a Trojan horse or virus
• Recovering from ransomware or malware

Megan Bixler, Technical Program Manager
Megan Bixler joined the APCO Communications Center and 9-1-1 Services staff in 2016 and works as the Technical Program Manager. Megan provides support and direction to various teams related to technical and cybersecurity issues and standards specific to emergency communications. Megan is an active participant in the NG9-1-1 technology development process to ensure interconnectedness and interoperability. She also is an APCO representative on several committees in other organizations. Megan earned a Bachelor of Science from Colorado State University. She previously served in the U.S. Army as a Signals Intelligence Analyst with a specialty in telemetry analysis and space operations.

Megan is married and has an extremely spoiled cocker spaniel named Laika.

The NG9-1-1 Institute is seeking nominations for the 15^th Annual 9-1-1 Honor Awards. The deadline is Wednesday, January 10, 2018. All nominations (including self-nominations) are welcome. You do not need to be an NG9-1-1 Institute member to nominate or receive an award.

13ABC WHAM A three-year-old boy is likely to make a full recovery after the dispatcher talked his mother through the aftermath.

paNOW The telecommunicator delivered instructions to people at home leading to the birth of a healthy baby girl.

Augusta Free Press The NextGen 9-1-1 system allows faster 9-1-1 calls, enables dispatchers to transfer calls more easily and permits texting.

Blueridgenow.com Police said a woman could not safely call for help so she texted a message to 9-1-1 that her husband had two guns and she feared he would kill her. The victim was safely removed from the situation by deputies and EMS personnel.

IJIS Institute Releases ASAP to PSAP Case Study on Standards and Outcomes